HC Deb 10 November 1936 vol 317 cc692-4
47. Mr. E. J. WILLIAMS

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will take action to recompense General Sir Hubert Gough for the treatment he has received, now that it is becoming increasingly clear that he could not justly be blamed for the retreat of the Fifth Army in March, 1918?

The PRIME MINISTER

While fully appreciating the great services which General Sir Hubert Gough rendered in the War and congratulating him upon the fact that history has already vindicated his reputation, I do not think that at this distance of time the Government would be well-advised to reopen the question of rewards for War services, or to attempt to revise the decisions taken by their predecessors.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the Prime Minister not aware that the weight of responsible opinion in this country has now completely vindicated Sir Hubert Gough, and that, in addition to his having suffered this injustice, the survivors of the Fifth Army who served under him feel that there is a slur cast upon them as well as upon Sir Hubert himself; and for their sakes, as well as for his sake, would not the Government reconsider the whole matter?

The PRIME MINISTER

I quite appreciate what the hon. Member has said hut, of course, except in Debate, it is impossible to enter at any length into this matter. All I will observe is this: I think for a long time, informed opinion agrees with him; but we all know that to make inquiries at this distance of time into the circumstances of 1918 is impossible. Those who would be the principal witnesses are dead. A question like this cannot be reopened in the form of inquiry. I am sure that if I were in Sir Hubert Gough's place, to feel that my own conscience had been justified by the verdict of my fellow-countrymen would be ample reward for me.

Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

In view of the fact that the injustice to Sir Hubert Gough is admitted, could not the question of compensation be taken up at once?

Sir W. DAVISON

Would the Prime Minister consider, in connection with the vacant office of Field-Marshal, whether that would not be a graceful appointment to make to Sir Hubert?

Sir R. ROSS

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that this gallant officer is suffering from the refusal to grant any form of inquiry for which he asked at the time, and that the inquiry carried out by the official military historian has vindicated his conduct and was complete and final?